Kkakdugi (깍두기)

Radish Kimchi

What was it like?

Kkakdugi is a kind of Kimchi where Korean Daikon (a special kind of radish) is used instead of Napa cabbage. The cabbage or Mu in Korean is usually flavored with salt, red chili powder, spring onions, and ginger. It is not aged as much as the classic Kimchi so it has a more fresh and crisp taste and texture.

The earliest sources say that kkakdugi was created by Princess Sukseon who lived around 1800. The princess presented the to the king who then named kkakdugi. Ggakduk sseolgi in Korean means cutting something in cubes. It quickly gained popularity also among the commoners. Nowadays it is often served as a side dish for all kinds of stews, soups or just with rice.